Watson takes charge, as Clarke faces injury

Canberra, July 14 (ANI): Shane Watson had the first taste of being an Australian captain after Michael Clarke was retired hurt due to back injury.

The star all-rounder Watson was handed the captaincy when he led Australia's one-day team onto the field in a practice match against Queensland in Brisbane.

Clarke was forced to retire hurt with back stiffness after scoring 13 from 31 balls and watched on as Australia defended 263 runs at Allan Border Field, Fox News reports.

Former captain Ricky Ponting was also out of action following a calf injury.

"Clarke pulled up a little stiff which is why he retired and we are just going to take the opportunity to get everybody out there," Australian coach Tim Nielsen was quoted, as saying by Fox News.

"Ponting has had a bit of a sore calf as well which we are just being careful about," he added.

Watson, who was appointed as vice-captain in March, has been Australia's best player in all forms of the game over the past two years but has never captained a senior team in his career.

His appointment has raised questions whether he can handle the extra responsibility of leadership on top of being the side's opening batsman and fourth seamer.

But Nielsen said Watson is a true back up to Clarke, who must manage his back problem for the rest of his career, and is confident the 30-year-old will cope with the extra pressure and responsibility. (ANI)

Clarke defends coach Nielsen's decision to take a break

London, Sep 4 (ANI): Stand-in Australian captain Michael Clarke has defended coach Tim Nielsen's decision to take a break after the fourth game of the seven-match series against England, saying he deserves it.

Nielsen will rejoin the team for the Champions Trophy in South Africa later this month. During this period, bowling coach Troy Cooley will be the coach.

"He's been away from home for a long time. Like the players, who get the opportunity to have a break every now and then, I think it's just as important for our support staff, not just the coach, but all the support staff," Fox Sports quoted Clarke, as saying.

"There's going to be various times throughout everybody's career that they need a bit of time away from the game," he added.

Clarke further said that due to the back-to-back international series since last September, Nielsen was looking forward to spending some time with his family and friends back home.

"The players have the upmost respect for the coach and within the team we know we can continue to perform when Vinny (Nielsen) is gone, but he's a huge part of our team and giving him what's probably going to be a week off, I think it's the least we can do," he added. (ANI)